Description
Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, care for people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from back and neck injuries; sprains, strains, and fractures; arthritis; amputations; neurological disorders, such as stroke or cerebral palsy; injuries related to work and sports; and other conditions. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to care for their patients. These techniques include exercises; training in functional movement, which may include the use of equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers; and special movements of joints, muscles, and other soft tissue to improve mobility and decrease pain. The work of physical therapists varies by type of patient. For example, a patient working to recover mobility lost after a stroke needs care different from that of a patient recovering from a sports injury.
Average Salary
$46.98 hourly, $97,720 annual
Employers
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Home Health Care Services
- Medical Clinics
- Sports Teams
Related Careers
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses: Assess patients' mental and physical status
- Clinical Nurse Specialists: Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice or organizational systems
- Emergency Medicine Physicians: Analyze records, examination information, or test results to diagnose medical conditions.
- Occupational Therapists: Test and evaluate patients' physical and mental abilities and analyze medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients.
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians: Document examination results, treatment plans, and patients' outcomes.